Meet Jaz - Our Mother Earth Tee Artist
Jaz Meier of @harleyandj is one of of our favourite local artists.
Our obsession with the distinct organic flow of her divinely feminine, vintage-inspired illustrations finally became a beautiful reality when Jaz agreed to collaborate on our Mother Earth Tee.
We chat with this talented artist and mum-to-be about her creative journey.
WHEN DID YOUR PASSION FOR CREATING ART BEGIN AND HOW HAS IT GROWN AND EVOLVED?
I can always remember from a young age taking an interest in anything creative and crafty. This was especially encouraged and nurtured by the mother from a very young age. My mum is a talented painter and textile designer so I think for her it was very natural to want to encourage it within her children. I have two younger sisters and each are both talented artistically in their own way which has a lot to do with Mum. All our rooms were decked out in her paintings of mermaids, fairy's and wood nymphs which really kick-started our love for art. I am always grateful to my Mother for this as Art is not always the most lucrative career choice and many parents do not encourage it but I truly love my job and I have her to thank.
WHAT AND WHO ARE YOUR MAIN SOURCES OF INSPIRATION?
I would say I'm inspired mostly by what is happening around me both in the world and my own life. It's hard now with the internet constant contact to the world events at our fingers to not be influenced by what is happening around us and for that to filter down into my art. Otherwise, I explore themes such as love, the female form and nature.
Art wise though my number all-time favourite will forever be Alphonse Mucha. I love his reverence of women and nature-infused in one and it's clear to see in a lot of my pieces I take inspiration from him and the Art Nouveau era.
I can always remember from a young age taking an interest in anything creative and crafty. This was especially encouraged and nurtured by the mother from a very young age. My mum is a talented painter and textile designer so I think for her it was very natural to want to encourage it within her children. I have two younger sisters and each are both talented artistically in their own way which has a lot to do with Mum. All our rooms were decked out in her paintings of mermaids, fairy's and wood nymphs which really kick-started our love for art. I am always grateful to my Mother for this as Art is not always the most lucrative career choice and many parents do not encourage it but I truly love my job and I have her to thank.
WHAT AND WHO ARE YOUR MAIN SOURCES OF INSPIRATION?
I would say I'm inspired mostly by what is happening around me both in the world and my own life. It's hard now with the internet constant contact to the world events at our fingers to not be influenced by what is happening around us and for that to filter down into my art. Otherwise, I explore themes such as love, the female form and nature.
Art wise though my number all-time favourite will forever be Alphonse Mucha. I love his reverence of women and nature-infused in one and it's clear to see in a lot of my pieces I take inspiration from him and the Art Nouveau era.
WHO ARE THE CREATIVES YOU’RE CURRENTLY ADMIRING?
I have my favourite IG accounts I'm always drawn to and inspired by; they are all small-time artists like me doing it on their own which I will always admire.
Laura Kensington @laurakensington is a wonderful psych artist from Spain.
Nick Potts @nickwpotts is another psych/seventies influenced artist from the Blue Mountains.
Rach Urquhart @raychponygold another Northern rivers based female artist I can't get enough of.
Just lately Sharlene Perkins @sharleneartsy a US female illustrator I have just discovered whose art has a strong political message on race.
I love that IG has opened up a portal for artists to share their art worldwide.
I love that IG has opened up a portal for artists to share their art worldwide.
I've discovered so many talented artists work I love and look up to and without it, I doubt I would be able to have the career I have now.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST CHERISHED DAILY RITUALS?
Usually, my mornings would always start with a surf but since being pregnant I have now had to change my morning start to a walk. We have just moved to Lennox Head and my favourite daily ritual now is walking down to the Tea Tree lake and back up on the beach. I have always lived by the coast my whole life and rely heavily on the ocean for my daily fix of calm and grounding.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES & DREAMS FOR THE FUTURE?
To be able to create art and take the love and joy I find in it till when I am old and grey.
To see more of Jaz's beautiful illustrations follow her on Instagram @harleyandj
Our 'Be Kind To Mother Earth' Tee launches at 9am AEST, Thursday 16th July.
